Sema Fonkem 01/09/2025

Peace talks between government of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC-gov) and March 23 Movement (M23) proposed by Thabo Mbeki Foundation and scheduled for 03 to 06 September 2025 has been declined by DRC-gov.

The dialogue planned to be hosted in South Africa was rejected by DRC-Gov on bias concerns.

DRC-gov Spokesperson Patrick Muyaya says former South African president Thabo Mbeki is not in a position to handle conflict resolution talks because he has shown support towards M23 in statements made in the past and his views may be blinded.

A video on South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) YouTube channel titled DRC Conflict | A look back at Mbeki’s reflections on DRC can be referenced as one of the instances when president Mbeki strongly condemned DRC-gov’s lack of capability to resolve existing armed conflict in eastern DRC.

The fact the Mr. Mbeki blames president Felix Tshisekedi’s weaknesses for being a catalyst to the escalation of the conflict in eastern DRC is an indication that his judgement may have been compromised . It is hard to believe that he can lead peace talks between DRC-gov and M23 without a one-sided overview.

Other DRC-gov members and DRC citizens accuse the former South African leader of having close ties with ex-president Joseph Kabila who is facing charges of treason linked to M23. They say he has been collaborating with M23 to overthrow president Felix Tshisekedi.

The peace and security dialogue was meant to be attended by civil society activists, DRC officials, opposition figures, religious leaders, representatives of M23 and other armed groups.

Thabo Mbeki Foundation is known for promoting progressive solutions for African countries facing armed conflict and challenges with governance. The organisation strongly believes that leaders should uphold unity and solidarity for the benefit of their citizens.